Educational Resources
Our team of Museum educators are here to assist teachers and caregivers with engaging lessons for all ages. From natural history explorations to our famed Oregon Encounters, you’ll find many tools to expand horizons and keep the kids learning.
Have questions about our educational offerings? Email mwilmoth@highdesertmuseum.org.
Meeting the Sewells
An unsuspecting museum-goer finds himself transported back in time, coming face to face with resourceful settlers Columbus and Louisa Sewell. Meeting the Sewells offers the unique perspective of one of the first Black families to settle in Central Oregon.
The short film is a collaboration with the High Desert Museum, Oregon Black Pioneers and North East Production. Educators are welcome to share this film with students and dive into Oregon history. View the complete short film and read guiding questions for your class.
Food Gathering, First Foods and Food Sovereignty
This video and guide are resources for educators, at multiple grade levels, who might want to use First Foods: Roots and Berries with Warm Springs Traditional Gatherers, which features knowledge holders and culture keepers from The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs discussing food gathering, First Foods and food sovereignty.
Virtual Oregon Encounters
Begin your Oregon Encounters journey with an overview of the video series and some guiding questions including how Oregon’s history has shaped the state today.
- All
- PreK-Grade 12
- PreK-Grade 5
- Grades 3-5
What thrives after a fire? Learn about three species from three different kingdoms (plant, animal and fungus) and appreciate their unique relationship to fire as you color.
Join us as we take a brief dive into forest fires! Learn what a fire needs to burn, the role that fire plays in a forest and what makes a forest healthy. Hand on activities included!
Aprende sobre las serpientes salvajes, haz una marioneta de bolsa de papel y luego cuenta la tuya historia usándolo.
How well do you know the animals that call the Museum home? Test your knowledge in this crossword puzzle.
Create a unique shape and color bracelet and then explore outside while identifying shapes and matching colors that you see.
Are you ready to learn ASL — Animal Sign Language? Join as we explore a handful of American Sign Language signs reflecting the animals we care for at the High Desert Museum.
Explore the science behind the powerful forces that shape our landscape.
Nature has long ignited the imagination of engineers, designers and architects. It’s called biomimicry and you can learn more here!
Learn about one of the works of art in the High Desert Museum’s collection and create your own art piece, recording your memories during this time.
Spring is here! Are you noticing more bird songs in the morning? Blooming flowers and tree buds in your neighborhood? Make observations of seasonal changes and record what you notice through art and writing.
Learn about one of Oregon’s earliest African American settlers, Letitia Carson, in this short video and educator resource, which offers suggestions for discussing this video with students or diving deeper at home.
Begin your Oregon Encounters journey with an overview of the video series and some guiding questions including how Oregon’s history has shaped the state today.